scopophilia

English

Alternative forms

• scoptophilia

Etymology

Ancient Greek σκοπός (skopós, “watcher”) +‎ -philia (itself from the Ancient Greek φιλία (philía, “love, fondness”))

Noun

scopophilia (uncountable)

1. (psychology) A sexual dependency on openly observing sex organs and sexual acts, as opposed to voyeurism which is secret.
   • 2015, Douglas Keesey, Brian De Palma's Split-Screen: A Life in Film:

     At first feeling somewhat inhibited in his watching by Sam's presence (perhaps due to an inferiority complex), Jake freely indulges in his scopophilia once the other man is gone, growing excited by the sight of this woman whose dance includes undressing, donning some jewels, and then stroking herself.

Related terms

• scopophile / scoptophile (n.)
• scopophiliac / scoptophiliac (n. and adj.)
• scopophilic / scoptophilic (adj.)

See also

• voyeurism